Joseph H. Lazare

SLINGERLANDS Joseph H. Lazare, 72, of Slingerlands, died peacefully in New York City on April 28, 2004 after a long illness. He was a self-made entrepreneur, humorist, artist, woodworker, yachtsman, purveyor of good cheer and man of countless other talents and endearing traits. Joe was born in Rochester, N.Y. on October 25, 1931. As a young man, he served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, returning to successfully climb the ranks of the Rochester area auto industry. In 1954, Joe married his childhood sweetheart, Rose Marie Vallone, creating a partnership that would last another 50 years until his passing, and serve as the very foundation upon which his many achievements were based. Motivated by his trademark desire to give his family any opportunity life has to offer, he moved to the Albany area in 1968 to start his own business. With considerable skill and a devotion to hard work, he founded and successfully built Lazare Lincoln-Mercury and Van Schaick Island Marina. Joe found great fulfillment in the relationships he had with his employees and customers. The roles most important to him, however, were those of husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. Among other things, he enjoyed boating, travel, playing golf and cards with his pals, being the life of the party, drawing, hugging, and otherwise spending time with his grandchildren and sharing a good laugh with whoever would listen. The many lives he touched will maintain the memory of his genuine warmth and love of people, most often reflected in his generosity, engaging smile, hearty laugh and sparkling eyes. A self-proclaimed goal was to simply put a smile on somebody else's face before the end of the day. In addition to his adored wife, soul mate and best friend, Rose Marie, he is survived by his beloved children, Joseph of Burnt Hills, Cheryl (Geof) of Clifton Park and Stephen (Mary) of Pleasantville; cherished grandchildren, Megan, Kristen, Michael, Nicole, Libby, Alex and Anna; and numerous in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends. He was predeceased by his loving sister, Betty and parents, Lucy and Joseph. A private funeral service was held in Rochester. A memorial service, to which all are invited, will be held in the Albany area at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, N.Y. on Friday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in his memory and in loving celebration of his newborn granddaughter, Anna Josephe Lazare, to the National Down Syndrome Society, 666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.